GAS AS APPLIED TO TRAMWAYS.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1985, 5 July 1880, Page 4

GAS AS APPLIED TO TRAMWAYS.

The following description of Hurd's new patent gas engine, which has been adapted for we on tramway cars, and is likely to be introduced on the ±>unedin tramways as a cheap and efficient motive power, will be read with interest: — There is a constant and increasing demand for gas engines to work light machinery, and, anomalous as it may appear, gas is being used as a motive power for the production of the eleotrio light. It may be fairly inferred that if the eleotric light is ever rendered sufficiently perfect to warrant its general use, gas engines will be required to work the necessary machinery. The time has not yet, however, arrived for the discussion of this subject. The purposes to which gas engines are and may be applied are very numerous, and as they can be used advantageously and economically, there is every reason to anticipate an increased demand for this class of maohinery. "The •Hutd' patent compound condensing and non-condensing salf-starting and reversing silent gas engine" is an invention for which the patentee claims special advantages which demand consideration. These engines are compact, durable, and perfectly noiseless, and will start at any position of oranka at a moment's notice. The consumption of gas, which is a matter to be considered, is very small, varying from one to two farthings per indicated horse-power per hour, the gas being regulated according to requirement by " Hurd's " patent injector pressure governor. This outlay is so trifling that the quantity of gas consumed must be reckoned in favor of the invention, and the saving effected duly noted by intending purchasers. The engines are controllable by attendant, working at 20 to 300 revolutions a minute, and power is given off at eaoh stroke. Hurd's " patent reversing gear" makes them applicable for every purpose. No lubricating oiiß are required either for pistons, or valves, and tho " Hurd " is capable of going for months without stopping, while it has the advantage of running cither way._ The use of water, which i? converted into a lubricant (and into steam for motive power, to low-preßsure cylinder, at 801 b. per square inch), keeps the cylinder and piston valves clean and well lubricated, rendering it unnecessary to teke the engine i,o pieces frequently to remove carbon and deposits of burnt oil and gas. Thus stoppages are prevented and the ergine preserved. The manufacturer assorts that, "for uniformity of speed under varying loads tho "Hurd " is superior to any other gas-engine yet invented, and unsurpassed by the highest class of steam-engines." Another advantage is that all parts of this engine, are made to templets, interchangeable, and of the best materials and workmanship, no foundation being required for the smaller sizes. The quality of the material and workmanship, about which inquiry is generally necessary, is guaranteed, each double-throw main crank being forged from best scrap iron and finished complete, with eccentrics for valve gear, from one solid forging ; also with pistons and rods, each of one solid forging. The contingency of some localities not having a supply of coalgas has been duly considered, as the " Hurd " can be worked by gas made from gasoline by small gas-making machines. There can bo little donbt that tramwass will eventually be propelled by maohinery in lieu of horses, but considerable opposition has been directed against the use of steam. Tho "happy medium" may bo gas. The gas-engines -under notice are especially calculated to drive tramcars, and are capable of running twenty-four hours or more with one charge of gas. The arrangements prevent the risk of explosion, and no danger may be anticipated from disasters which too frequently occur when boilors are" indispensable. Perhaps the greatest point in favor of the "Hurd" silent gas engine is that relating to economy,

wbioh in theße times i» of paramount importance. As an economiser this is unsurpassed gas, air, and water being utilised and converted into power at a minimum oost. The spent power from the highpressure cylinder works the second cylinder, and finally a vacuum is produced, which also actuates the second cylinder. It may be asked with reason, " What more can bo desired." With these combinations the manufacturer claims that" one-third less gas is used than with any other engine yet invonted. It appears that the perfection of economy is attained by the arrangements made to reduce expenditure in evory respect: and doubtless a discriminating public will not permit the advantages possessed by the " Hurd silent gas-engine to escape their notice.